Training Distress Scale Research Articles

Self-Perceived Fatigue Symptoms After Different Physical Loads in Young Boxers

SummaryThe objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of self-perceived fatigue symptoms during 48 hours after different physical loads in young male boxers. The research sample comprised a total of 21 adolescent male boxers (mean age 14.00±2.05 years), members of the Slovak club named “Best boxing cub” in Devínska Nová Ves (Slovakia). For 48 hours after one-day national championship and five-day training camp, were young male boxers asked to observe symptoms of fatigue on themselves. The level of self-perceived fatigue (S-PF) was measured with the Training Distress Scale (TDS). In young male boxers was found a very low rate of S-PF during 48 hours after the different physical loads. A lower rate of S-PF was declared after the national championship compared to the 5-day training camp. At both events, fatigue was reported with the same three symptoms of muscle soreness, heavy feelings in arms or legs, and lack of energy. Significantly higher S-PF during 48 hours after 5-day training camp compared to national championship was showed in heavy feelings in arms or legs, restless sleep, being unusually tired during the day, and insomnia. No significant differences in overall TDS between different physical loads were found.

Sustained Sleep Restriction Reduces Resistance Exercise Quality and Quantity in Females.

Female athletes sleep less and report more sleep problems than their male counterparts. Inadequate sleep reduces maximal strength in male athletes; however, little is known about the impact of sleep restriction (SR) on the quantity and quality of resistance exercise performed by female athletes. This study investigated the effect of nine nights of moderate SR on repeated resistance exercise performance, hormonal responses, and perceived fatigue in females. Ten healthy, resistance-trained, eumenorrheic females age 18-35 yr underwent nine nights of SR (5-h time in bed) and normal sleep (NS; ≥7-h time in bed) in a randomized, crossover fashion with a minimum 6-wk washout. Participants completed four resistance exercise sessions per trial, with blood samples collected before and after exercise. Exercise performance was assessed using volume load, reactive strength index, and mean concentric velocity with rating of perceived exertion recorded after exercise. Participants completed awakening saliva sampling and the Multi-component Training Distress Scale daily. Volume load decreased trivially (<1%, P < 0.05) with SR. Mean concentric velocity per set was slower during SR for the lower-body (up to 15%, P < 0.05), but not the upper-body, compound lifts. Intraset velocity loss was up to 7% greater during SR for back squats ( P < 0.05). SR increased salivary cortisol area under the curve (by 42%), total training distress (by 84%), and session perceived exertion (by 11%). Sustained SR reduces markers of resistance exercise quality (bar velocity) more than quantity (volume load) and increases perceived effort at the same relative intensity in resistance-trained females. Markers of exercise quality and internal load may be more sensitive than volume load, to advise coaches to the decline in lifting performance for female athletes experiencing SR.

Quantification of Recruit Training Demands and Subjective Wellbeing during Basic Military Training.

Purpose: Assess and describe the physical demands and changes in subjective wellbeing of recruits completing the 12 week Australian Army Basic Military Training (BMT) course. Methods: Thirty-five recruits (24.8 ± 6.8 y; 177.4 ± 10.1 cm, 75.6 ± 14.7 kg) consented to daily activity monitoring and weekly measures of subjective wellbeing (Multi-component Training Distress Scale, MTDS). The physical demands of training were assessed via wrist worn activity monitors (Actigraph GT9X accelerometer). Physical fitness changes were assessed by push-ups, sit-ups and multi-stage shuttle run in weeks 2 and 8. Results: All objective and subjective measures significantly changed (p < 0.05) across the 12 week BMT course. In parallel, there was a significant improvement in measures of physical fitness from weeks 2 to 8 (p < 0.001). The greatest disturbance to subjective wellbeing occurred during week 10, which was a period of field training. Weeks 6 and 12 provided opportunities for recovery as reflected by improved wellbeing. Conclusions: The physical demands of training varied across the Australian Army 12 week BMT course and reflected the intended periodization of workload and recovery. Physical fitness improved from week 2 to 8, indicating a positive training response to BMT. Consistent with findings in sport, wellbeing measures were sensitive to fluctuations in training stress and appear to have utility for individual management of personnel in the military training environment.

Self-Perceived Fatigue After Motor Abilities Testing in Adolescent Elite Tennis Players

SummaryThe objective of the study was to determine self-perceived fatigue (S-PF) after motor abilities testing (MAT) in adolescent male and female elite tennis players. The research sample comprised of 17 male (mean age of 13.00 ± 1.54 years) and 20 female (mean age of 13.15 ± 1.42 years) adolescent elite tennis players who underwent testing of selected motor abilities in tennis. The level of fatigue in adolescent elite tennis players was measured with the Training Distress Scale (TDS). Both groups of elite tennis players declared the lowest, zero level of S-PF by TDS symptoms as inability to remember things and loose bowels or diarrhoea and significant S-PF during 48 hours after MAT was in both genders felt by lack of energy, feeling of heavy arms and legs, joint stiffness of soreness, and muscle soreness. Boys versus girls experienced significantly higher S-PF in the symptoms as difficulty falling asleep, being unusually tired during the day, joint stiffness of soreness, and ordinary tasks require extra effort. No significant differences were found in overall TDS between males and females adolescent elite tennis players.

Progression in training volume and perceived psychological and physiological training distress in Norwegian student athletes: A cross-sectional study.

This cross-sectional study examined self-reported weekly training volume and perceived training distress in Norwegian student athletes according to gender, type of sport, school program, and school year. The Norwegian version of the Multicomponent Training Distress Scale (MTDS-N) was completed by 608 student athletes (M age = 17.29 ± .94). Univariate and multivariate techniques were used in data analyses. Results revealed significant differences in weekly training volume between sport types. No significant differences in weekly training volume were found for gender, school year, or school program. However, a multivariate effect was found for gender, with females perceiving higher levels of training distress than males. A multivariate interaction effect between school year and training volume was also observed. We recommend that practitioners use a conceptual framework to periodize training and monitor training distress in student athletes, particularly in females, to preserve physiological and psychological well-being and ensure a progressive training overload leading to positive performance development.

Changes In Performance And Subjective Wellness Measures Among Female Collegiate Field Hockey Players

Monitoring athletes using both objective and subjective assessments is a common strategy when managing athlete workloads in attempt to optimize performance. PURPOSE: To assess changes in performance alongside subjective measures throughout a collegiate field hockey season. METHODS: Female athletes (n = 20; BMI = 23.9 ± 3.3 kg/m2) completed countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) testing via digital contact mat, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess sleep quality, and the Multicomponent Training Distress Scale (MTDS) to evaluate training distress every 7 ± 1 d throughout the preseason (T1-T2) and season (T3-T13). MTDS was analyzed as a total composite score and by each subscale: depressed moods (DM), vigor, physical signs/symptoms (PSS), sleep disturbances (SDis), perceived stress (PSt), and general fatigue (GF). Linear mixed effects models were conducted with an α-level of 0.05 using R. RESULTS: There were significant time main effects for CMJ, global PSQI, and total MTDS (P < 0.01). Time main effects were seen for all MTDS sub-scales except for GF and SDis. CMJ increased from baseline at T7 (P < 0.01) but returned to baseline by T13 (P > 0.05). PSQI scores decreased from T1 to T2 (P = 0.04) but returned to baseline by T8 and was elevated for the remainder of the season (P < 0.05). MTDS was significantly higher than baseline at T11 (P < 0.01) but returned to baseline by T12 (P > 0.05). DM increased above baseline at T11 (P = 0.02) then and returned to baseline at T12. Vigor was lower than baseline at T8 (P < 0.01) and remained suppressed through T12 (P = 0.01) but returned to baseline by T13 (P > 0.05). PSS increased from T1 to T2 following preseason (P < 0.01), remained above baseline through T9 (P < 0.05), and returned to baseline at T10 (P > 0.05). There were no changes in PSt from baseline at any time point (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Following preseason, PSS increased immediately which coincided with improved PSQI scores and CMJ over the first half of the season. However, as the season progressed, total training distress increased, which was largely driven by negative changes in subscales including DM and vigor. This culminated in subsequent downturns in CMJ by T13. These findings suggest that multiple metrics should be used by coaches to monitor athlete readiness as the MTDS changes appear to precede differential changes in performance.

The Training Characteristics of Recreational-Level Triathletes: Influence on Fatigue and Health.

Little is known about how recreational triathletes prepare for an Olympic distance event. The aim of this study was to identify the training characteristics of recreational-level triathletes within the competition period and assess how their preparation for a triathlon influences their health and their levels of fatigue. During the 6 weeks prior to, and the 2 weeks after, an Olympic distance triathlon, nine recreational athletes (five males, four females) completed a daily training log. Participants answered the Daily Analysis of Life Demands Questionnaire (DALDA), the Training Distress Scale (TDS) and the Alberta Swim Fatigue and Health Questionnaire weekly. The Recovery-Stress Questionnaire (REST-Q) was completed at the beginning of the study, on the day before the competition, and at the end of week 8. Training loads were calculated using session-based rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). The data from every week of training was compared to week 1 to determine how athletes’ training and health changed throughout the study. No changes in training loads, duration or training intensity distribution were seen in the weeks leading up to the competition. Training duration was significantly reduced in week 6 (p = 0.041, d = 1.58, 95% CI = 6.9, 421.9), while the number of sessions was reduced in week 6 (Z = 2.32, p = 0.02, ES = 0.88) and week 7 (Z = 2.31, p = 0.02, ES = 0.87). Training was characterized by large weekly variations in training loads and a high training intensity. No significant changes were seen in the DALDA, TDS or REST-Q questionnaire scores throughout the 8 weeks. Despite large spikes in training load and a high overall training intensity, these recreational-level triathletes were able to maintain their health in the 6 weeks of training prior to an Olympic distance triathlon.

The Factorial Validity of the Norwegian Version of the Multicomponent Training Distress Scale (MTDS-N).

Background: Athlete self-report measures (ASRM) are methods of athlete monitoring, which have gained considerable popularity in recent years. The Multicomponent Training Distress Scale (MTDS), consisting of 22 items, is a promising self-report measure to assess training distress among athletes. The present study aimed to investigate the factorial validity of the Norwegian version of MTDS (MTDS-N) among student-athletes (n = 632) attending the optional program subject “Top-Level Sports” in upper secondary schools in Norway. Methods: A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the six-factor model proposed by Main and Grove (2009). McDonald’s omega (ω) along with confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate scale reliability. After examining the fit of the CFA model in the total sample, covariates were included to investigate group differences in latent variables of MTDS-N, resulting in the multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) model. Further, direct paths between the covariates and the factor indicators were included in an extended MIMIC model to investigate whether responses to items differed between groups, resulting in differential item functioning (DIF). Results: When modification indices (MIs) were taken into consideration, the alternative CFA model revealed that MTDS-N is an acceptable psychometric tool with a good fit index. The factors in MTDS-N all constituted high scale reliability with McDonald’s ω ranging from 0.725–0.862. The results indicated statistically significant group differences in factor scores for gender, type of sport, hours of training per week, school program, and school level. Further, results showed that DIF occurred in 13 of the MTDS-N items. However, after assessing the MIMIC model and the extended MIMIC model, the factor structure remained unchanged, and the model fit remained within acceptable values. The student-athletes’ reports of training distress were moderate. Conclusion: The MTDS-N was found to be suitable for use in a Norwegian population to assess student-athletes’ training distress in a reliable manner. The indications of group effects suggest that caution should be used if one is interested in making group comparisons when the MTDS-N is used among student-athletes in Norway until further research is conducted.

Blood Proteomics-Based Detection of Upregulated Lipid Metabolism and Immune Dysfunction in an Elite Adventure Athlete Trekking Across Antarctica

Abstract Objectives Proteomics when combined with psychological, nutrition, and performance measures may serve as a useful monitoring system for immune dysfunction, training distress, and exercise-induced muscle damage and exhaustion in athletes. Global proteomics monitoring of an elite adventure athlete (age 33 years) was conducted over a 28-week period that culminated in the successful, unassisted 2-month trek across Antarctica (1500 km). Methods Training distress was monitored weekly using the 19-item, validated Training Distress Scale (TDS). Weekly dried blood spot (DBS) specimens were collected via fingerprick blood drops onto standard blood spot cards. DBS proteins were measured with nano-electrospray ionization liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS) in data-independent acquisition (DIA) mode, and 712 proteins were identified and quantified. Results The participant experienced a decrease of 11.4 kg in body mass during the Antarctica trek. The 28-week period was divided into time segments based on TDS scores, and a contrast analysis between weeks 5–8 (low TDS) and weeks 20–23 (high TDS, last month of Antarctica trek) showed that 31 proteins (n = 20 immune related, n = 14 nutrition related with n = 8 in dual roles) were upregulated and 35 (n = 17 immune related) were downregulated. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and gene ontology (GO) biological process analysis supported an increase in plasma lipoprotein particle remodeling, regulation of lipid transport, retinoid metabolic process, and vitamin transport due to high energy intake (7048 kcal/d). PPI networks also supported a dichotomous immune response. GO terms for the upregulated immune proteins showed an increase in regulation of the immune system process, especially inflammation, complement activation, and leukocyte mediated immunity. GO terms for the downregulated immune-related proteins indicated a decrease in several aspects of the overall immune system process including neutrophil degranulation and the antimicrobial humoral response. Conclusions These proteomics data support a dysfunctional immune response in an elite adventure athlete during a sustained period of mental and physical distress, high energy intake, and significant loss of body mass while trekking solo across Antarctica. Funding Sources Standard Process, Inc., Palmyra, WI.

Proteomics-Based Detection of Immune Dysfunction in an Elite Adventure Athlete Trekking Across the Antarctica.

Proteomics monitoring of an elite adventure athlete (age 33 years) was conducted over a 28-week period that culminated in the successful, solo, unassisted, and unsupported two month trek across the Antarctica (1500 km). Training distress was monitored weekly using a 19-item, validated training distress scale (TDS). Weekly dried blood spot (DBS) specimens were collected via fingerprick blood drops onto standard blood spot cards. DBS proteins were measured with nano-electrospray ionization liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS) in data-independent acquisition (DIA) mode, and 712 proteins were identified and quantified. The 28-week period was divided into time segments based on TDS scores, and a contrast analysis between weeks five and eight (low TDS) and between weeks 20 and 23 (high TDS, last month of Antarctica trek) showed that 31 proteins (n = 20 immune related) were upregulated and 35 (n = 17 immune related) were downregulated. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks supported a dichotomous immune response. Gene ontology (GO) biological process terms for the upregulated immune proteins showed an increase in regulation of the immune system process, especially inflammation, complement activation, and leukocyte mediated immunity. At the same time, GO terms for the downregulated immune-related proteins indicated a decrease in several aspects of the overall immune system process including neutrophil degranulation and the antimicrobial humoral response. These proteomics data support a dysfunctional immune response in an elite adventure athlete during a sustained period of mental and physical distress while trekking solo across the Antarctica.

Alpine Ski Coaches' and Athletes' Perceptions of Factors Influencing Adaptation to Stress in the Classroom and on the Slopes.

Research examining the student-athlete experience proposes a number of factors that can be both sources of stress and/or support. The dual career pathway offers a number of potential positive outcomes including psychological, social, and financial benefits; however, challenges including time management, fatigue, and restricted social activities are well documented. In consideration of the multidimensional student-athlete experience and the numerous factors that influence the complexity of potential stress, a mixed methods research study design was used in the study. First, data collected from surveys completed by 173 elite junior alpine skiers were analyzed to identify the degree to which athletes report experiencing stress associated with specific aspects pertaining to training, life, and organizational factors. These factors were then explored through semi-structured interviews with six coaches at the associated national elite sport schools. Taken collectively, athletes’ reports of psychophysiological training stress on the Multidimensional Training Distress Scale were low. Scores on the college student-athletes’ life stress scale revealed very low levels of general life stress; although the subscales associated with “performance demand” and “academic requirements” scored marginally higher. Scores on the Organizational Stressor Indicator for Sport Performers indicated low levels of organizational stress. The interviews with coaches elucidated the underlying factors potentially influencing athletes’ positive adaptations to stress as they reported programming a number of strategies to reduce negative outcomes. Coaches aimed to teach athletes self-awareness and regulation strategies through the use of the training diaries and ongoing communication to promote positive adaptation to stress. A number of coaches also worked with sport psychology consultants to optimize athletes’ training and study situations. Traditionally, research has noted high levels of stress in student-athletes due to co-occurring demands (school & sport); however, the data in the present study suggests that optimizing support mechanisms across domains can promote positive adaptations to potential sources of stress.

Detection of Functional Overreaching in Endurance Athletes Using Proteomics

There is a strong demand for diagnostic tools to identify athletes in various training states. PURPOSE: To determine if a cluster of proteins could be identified through proteomics procedures that are linked to functional overreaching (FOR) in male endurance athletes. METHODS: Participants (N=10, age 38.3±3.4 y, VO2max 41.3±1.7 ml.kg-1.min-1) served as their own controls and in random, counterbalanced order either ran/cycled 2.5 h (70.0±3.7% VO2max, 79.6±6.3% HRmax) three days in a row (FOR) or sat in the lab (rest) (separated by three weeks) (7:00 - 9:30 am, overnight fasted state). Participants provided fingerprick samples for dried blood spot samples (DBS) pre- and post-exercise/rest each of the three days, and then at 7:00 am during two additional recovery days. Participants also completed the Training Distress Scale (TDS) (19-items) at 7:00 am each of the five mornings during each trial (FOR and rest). Proteins were solubilized from DBS, digested into peptides and measured with nanoLC-MS in data independent acquisition mode (Q-Exactive, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA). The RAW MS data files were processed using SpectronautTM software (Biognosys, Schlieren, Switzerland). Following data independent acquisition (DIA method), 594 proteins were identified and quantified. Proteins were considered for the FOR cluster if they were elevated during one of the two recovery days but not more than one of the exercise days (compared to rest). The Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) was used to identify proteins linked to FOR (between trial contrasts, P≤0.05 for proteins with CV<15%, P≤0.01 with CV>15%). RESULTS: TDS scores differed between FOR and rest trials, peaking on the first recovery day (9.8±3.8, 3.5±2.6, respectively, P=0.029). A total of 13 proteins was linked to FOR and of these, 11 were related to the immune system, and two to exercise-induced physiological responses. Immune-related proteins included those associated primarily with the acute phase response, complement activation, and granulocyte function. CONCLUSIONS: This study utilized targeted, DIA proteomics procedures to identify a cluster of 13 proteins linked to FOR (7.5 h of high intensity exercise over three days), and 85% of the proteins were related to immune system activation during the 2-day recovery period.

The multi-component training distress scale: Firefighter

The multi-component training distress scale: Firefighter

Workload-related Psychological And Physiological Changes In Female College Soccer Players During A Competitive Season

Adequate recovery from stressors is an essential aspect of an athletes training program. Insufficient recovery can present itself in the form of psychological and physiological changes that manifest as performance decrements. PURPOSE: To assess the influence of training demands on mood, sleep, biomarkers, and performance in D1 collegiate female athletes during a competitive season. METHODS: Female D1 college soccer players (N=25; Mage=19.4 + 1.4 yrs; Mweight = 66.1 + 1.3 kg) participated in blood draws prior to preseason (T1), and at weeks 2 (T2), 6 (T3) and 10 (T4) of the regular season. Athletes arrived for blood draws fasted and euhydrated. T2, T3, and T4 draws occurred ~18 hours after a game. Creatine Kinase (CK), Free Cortisol (CF), Total Testosterone (TT), Estrogen (E), and Growth Hormone (GH) were analyzed. The Multi-Component Training Distress Scale (MTDS; Main & Grove, 2009), the Pittsburgh Sleep Questionnaire Index (PSQI; Buysse et al., 1989), and vertical jump (VJ) were also assessed at each time-point. Workload per session (km and kcal/kg) was monitored using the Polar Pro system. RESULTS: Workload was at its highest from T1-T2, decreased from T2 to T3 ([INCREMENT]km=-36.9 ± 2.0 km, P<.05; [INCREMENT] kcal=-7903.9±436.2 kcal, P<.05), and remained stable through T4. VJ remained consistent from T1-T3, before beginning to modestly decline ([INCREMENT]VJ=-0.87 ± 0.59 cm) at T4. CK increased from T1-T2 ([INCREMENT]CK=206.2 ± 94.1 U/L, P<.05), then returned to baseline. CF increased from T1-T2 ([INCREMENT]CF=0.32±0.1 mg/dL, P<.05) and returned to baseline by T4. TT increased from T1 to T2 ([INCREMENT] TT=39.5±17.3 ng/dL, P<.05) and returned to baseline by T4. No differences in E were seen (P>.05). GH decreased from T1-T2 ([INCREMENT]GH=2.1±0.8 ng/mL, P<.05) and remained depressed. Total mood disturbance increased from T2-T3 ([INCREMENT]Mood=6.4 ± 1.9, P<.05) and remained elevated. Sleep quality (SQ) did not change from T1-T4 (P>.05), but sleep duration (SD) increased from T3-T4 ([INCREMENT]SD=0.4±0.1, P<.05). CONCLUSION: Biomarkers showed the greatest change following the period of highest workload. Mood disturbances occurred after observed biomarker changes despite increased SD. SQ may be more important for full recovery than SD, as increased SD did not mirror GH or VJ changes. Changes in biomarkers preceded decrements in mood, suggesting that they may be the earlier indicators of performance status.

Multicomponent Training Distress Scale (MTDS) Questionnaire to Detect Training Distress in Collegiate Soccer Players

Multicomponent Training Distress Scale (MTDS) Questionnaire to Detect Training Distress in Collegiate Soccer Players

New approaches to determine fatigue in elite athletes during intensified training: Resting metabolic rate and pacing profile.

BackgroundElite rowers complete a high volume of training across a number of modalities to prepare for competition, including periods of intensified load, which may lead to fatigue and short-term performance decrements. As yet, the influence of substantial fatigue on resting metabolic rate (RMR) and exercise regulation (pacing), and their subsequent utility as monitoring parameters, has not been explicitly investigated in elite endurance athletes.MethodTen National-level rowers completed a four-week period of intensified training. RMR, body composition and energy intake were assessed PRE and POST the four-week period using indirect calorimetry, Dual-Energy X-Ray Densitometry (DXA), and three-day food diary, respectively. On-water rowing performance and pacing strategy was evaluated from 5 km time trials. Wellness was assessed weekly using the Multicomponent Training Distress Scale (MTDS).ResultsSignificant decreases in absolute (mean ± SD of difference, p-value: -466 ± 488 kJ.day-1, p = 0.01) and relative RMR (-8.0 ± 8.1 kJ.kg.FFM-1, p = 0.01) were observed. Significant reductions in body mass (-1.6 ± 1.3 kg, p = 0.003) and fat mass (-2.2 ± 1.2 kg, p = 0.0001) were detected, while energy intake was unchanged. On-water 5 km rowing performance worsened (p < 0.05) and an altered pacing strategy was evident. Fatigue and total mood disturbance significantly increased across the cycle (p < 0.05), and trends were observed for reduced vigour and increased sleep disturbance (p < 0.1).ConclusionFour weeks of heavy training decreased RMR and body composition variables in elite rowers and induced substantial fatigue, likely related to an imbalance between energy intake and output. This study demonstrates that highly experienced athletes do not necessarily select the correct energy intake during periods of intensified training, and this can be assessed by reductions in RMR and body composition. The shortfall in energy availability likely affected recovery from training and altered 5 km time trial pacing strategy, resulting in reduced performance.

Psychophysiological relationships between a multi-component self-report measure of mood, stress and behavioural signs and symptoms, and physiological stress responses during a simulated firefighting deployment

Physical work and sleep loss are wildland firefighting demands that elicit psychological and physiological stress responses. Research shows that these responses are statistically related which presents an opportunity to use subjective psychological questionnaires to monitor physiological changes among firefighters; an approach used extensively in sport settings. The aim of the present study was to investigate if changes in self-reported psychological factors on the multi-component training distress scale (MTDS), relate to cytokines and cortisol levels among firefighters completing three days of simulated physical firefighting work separated by an 8-h or restricted 4-h sleep each night. Each day firefighters completed the MTDS in the morning and salivary cortisol and inflammatory cytokines were measured throughout the day. When sleep restricted, firefighters demonstrated increases in MTDS factors of general fatigue, perceived stress and depressed mood that were related to elevated cytokines (TNF-α, IL-8, IL-10). Conversely, firefighters who had an 8-h sleep demonstrated a positive relationship between physical signs and symptoms and elevated IL-6, while depressed mood was inversely related to decreasing cortisol and cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10). Findings highlight the utility of the MTDS to detect psychological changes that reflect physiological responses among firefighters. Future research that establishes thresholds for specific factors which predict health-related physiological changes, will allow fire agencies implement multi-component measures to monitor and manage the health of personnel on the fire-ground.

A novel sleep optimisation programme to improve athletes’ well-being and performance

Objectives: To improve well-being and performance indicators in a group of Australian Football League (AFL) players via a six-week sleep optimisation programme. Design: Prospective intervention study following observations suggestive of reduced sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness in an AFL group. Methods: Athletes from the Adelaide Football Club were invited to participate if they had played AFL senior-level football for 1–5 years, or if they had excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS] >10), measured via ESS. An initial education session explained normal sleep needs, and how to achieve increased sleep duration and quality. Participants (n = 25) received ongoing feedback on their sleep, and a mid-programme education and feedback session. Sleep duration, quality and related outcomes were measured during week one and at the conclusion of the six-week intervention period using sleep diaries, actigraphy, ESS, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Profile of Mood States, Training Distress Scale, Perceived Stress Scale and the Psychomotor Vigilance Task. Results: Sleep diaries demonstrated an increase in total sleep time of approximately 20 min (498.8 ± 53.8 to 518.7 ± 34.3; p < .05) and a 2% increase in sleep efficiency (p < 0.05). There was a corresponding increase in vigour (p < 0.001) and decrease in fatigue (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Improvements in measures of sleep efficiency, fatigue and vigour indicate that a sleep optimisation programme may improve athletes’ well-being. More research is required into the effects of sleep optimisation on athletic performance.

Utility of the multi-component training distress scale to monitor swimmers during periods of training overload

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the present study was to determine the efficacy of the multi-component training distress scale (MTDS), in monitoring swimmers prior to national competition. Twenty-one national-level adolescent swimmers completed eight weeks of testing. Once a week participants completed an 8 × 50 m sprint test, vertical jump test, sit-and-reach test, the MTDS and the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (REST-Q). All testing was incorporated into the swimmers’ normal training programme. The REST-Q accounted for the following variances in performance: flexibility (14.6%, p = 0.009), power output (17.7%, p = 0.003), swimming speed (15.5%, p = 0.006) and swimming endurance (17.5%, p = 0.002). In comparison, the MTDS accounted for the following variances in performance: flexibility (12.1%, p = 0.095), power output (16.4%, p = 0.023), swimming speed (20.5%, p = 0.003) and swimming speed endurance (23.8%, p = 0.001). The findings of the current study suggest that both the REST-Q Sport and the MTDS have the capacity to predict performance on a range of fitness components associated with swimming.

Consecutive days of prolonged tennis match play: performance, physical, and perceptual responses in trained players.

To determine how consecutive days of prolonged tennis match play affect performance, physiological, and perceptual responses. Seven well-trained male tennis players completed 4-h tennis matches on 4 consecutive days. Pre- and postmatch measures involved tennis-specific (serve speed and accuracy), physical (20-m sprint, countermovement jump [CMJ], shoulder-rotation maximal voluntary contraction, isometric midthigh pull), perceptual (Training Distress Scale, soreness), and physiological (creatine kinase [CK]) responses. Activity profile was assessed by heart rate, 3D load (accumulated accelerations measured by triaxial accelerometers), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Statistical analysis compared within- and between-days values. Changes (± 90% confidence interval [CI]) ≥75% likely to exceed the smallest important effect size (0.2) were considered practically important. 3D load reduced on days 2 to 4 (mean effect size ± 90% CI -1.46 ± 0.40) and effective playing time reduced on days 3 to 4 (-0.37 ± 0.51) compared with day 1. RPE did not differ and total points played only declined on day 3 (-0.38 ± 1.02). Postmatch 20-m sprint (0.79 ± 0.77) and prematch CMJ (-0.43 ± 0.27) performance declined on days 2 to 4 compared with prematch day 1. Although serve velocity was maintained, compromised postmatch serve accuracy was evident compared with prematch day 1 (0.52 ± 0.58). CK increased each day, as did ratings of muscle soreness and fatigue. Players reduced external physical loads, through declines in movement, over 4 consecutive days of prolonged competitive tennis. This may be affected by tactical changes and pacing strategies. Alongside this, impairments in sprinting and jumping ability, perceptual and biochemical markers of muscle damage, and reduced mood states may be a function of neuromuscular and perceptual fatigue.